2017 REPORT GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Transcription

1 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 2017 REPORT Brief summary of advocacy and legislative efforts by the Academy of Model Aeronautics to promote, protect, and preserve model aviation. January 2, 2018

2 LOCAL ADVOCACY IS UP 302 state level bills were introduced in 2017 from 39 different states. AMA effectively tracked and engaged with every bill. As needed, AMA attended hearings, proposed amendments, or mobilized members to positively shape a bill. AMA HAS A SEAT IN DC AMA is an active participant in 13 federal-level committees and work groups. These efforts totaled 114 face-to-face or virtual meetings in 2017, averaging 10 federal-level committee or work group meetings each month. RESTRICTIONS ARE REMOVED AMA championed for additional waivers in the DC Special Flight Restricted Area. AMA is also forging waivers through the FAA, US Secret Service, and Department of Defense, to allow members to safely fly during VIP Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in Bedminster, NJ and Palm Beach, FL. MEDIA IS ON THE RISE AMA has content published, quoted, or interviewed averaging almost once a week by CNN, Popular Science, The Washington Post, NPR, NBC News, USA Today, and countless local radio, TV, and newspapers. Online exposure to these AMA articles has exceeded 643,000 impressions. 336 REMAINS IN PLACE AMA has successfully rebutted attacks and misconceptions of Section 336, commonly called the Special Rule For Model Aircraft. In addition, AMA helped shepherd draft language to strengthen and protect Section 336.

3 WE SHAPE LEGISLATION 302 state level bills, 6 federal bills, and countless local, tribal, university, and park policies related to UAS and our hobby were introduced in AMA tracked, categorized, and engaged each effort.

4 Federal Advocacy AMA is active at the national level as federal regulators, legislators, and stakeholders are shaping the future of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and our hobby. Section 336 faced numerous attacks while new legislation on our hobby was introduced. One bill that gained traction but did not face a vote was the Drone Federalism Act that would restrict our hobby to 200 feet. Despite the growing opposition, AMA effectively curbed problematic legislation with the help of our members and other industry leaders. In addition, AMA introduced draft language in both the House and Senate that would preserve and strengthen Section 336. We are happy to continue to share our expertise in DC for the safe and responsible integration of UAS. 336 REMAINS IN PLACE Mounting pressure is increasing to fix or repeal Section 336. AMA has adamantly rebutted misperceptions that 336 is a loophole in the rules for operating UAS or creates a get out of jail free card for any and all recreational operators. RELIEF FROM VIP TFRs Additional waivers were granted for AMA clubs in special flight areas and during VIP TFRs. AMA continues discussions for more permanent waivers with the FAA, US Secret Service, and Department of Defense. REMOTE ID AND TRACKING AMA successfully advocated that Remote ID and Tracking should only apply to certain UAS depending on the sophistication and capability. This common-sense approach would not harm low risk operations including our hobby and the toy industry. ACTIVE VOICE AMA is not on the sidelines. In 2017, AMA was an active participant in 13 different federal-level committees and work groups. These efforts included 114 meetings to discuss the future of UAS and our hobby.

5 State and Local Regulations 302 bills related to UAS were introduced from 39 states in Countless ordinances and policies were also introduced across 89,000 local governing bodies. AMA effectively tracked, categorized, and engaged each bill using a methodology that prioritized each regulation into a red, yellow, or green category. 28 STATE RED LEVEL BILLS Neglects or Contradicts Section 336 or Safety Code Regulates Airspace or Navigation Mandates Permits or Registration Implements Counter UAS (e.g. permits shooting down UAS) Shuts Down Flying Locations 62 STATE YELLOW LEVEL BILLS Mandates Technology (e.g. Geofencing) Imposes Taxes or Fees on UAS Requires Permission To Fly Over Property Prohibits Violating Tort Even Accidentally (e.g. Privacy) Mandates Studies/Research on UAS Bans Takeoff and Landing No Fly Zones Over Critical Infrastructure (e.g. Prisons) 212 STATE GREEN LEVEL BILLS Prohibits Knowingly Violating Tort (e.g. Privacy) Regulates UAS for Hunting Prohibits Weaponizing UAS Legislates Academic Use Mandates Insurance Requirements 302 state-level bills were tracked and engaged by AMA. 1,030 shape Government officials, stakeholders, and local legislators were contacted by AMA staff to or influence UAS regulations. With the help of our members, AMA pulled Utah S.B. 111 off the governor s desk minutes before being signed into law. This bill would have made it illegal to fly over 400 feet or within five miles of an airport. Had this bill passed as written, nearly every flying site in Utah would have been shut down and turbine, large model aircraft, and sailplane members may have been subject to criminal penalties. 100% AMA was 100% effective in shaping or curbing all red level bills, including Utah S.B. 111.

6 EXPANDING OUR OUTREACH AMA has increased its media exposure and public influence to safely and positively integrate UAS.

7 Communications In addition to national press from Popular Science, Bloomberg, and USA Today, AMA featured our hobby and members locally in 20 different regional newspapers to influence regulations. This Bernardsville Patch article included a coordinated interview with AMA AVP Michael Wong to discuss AMA activities affected by VIP TFRs. 193 TV stations across the country featured AMA s Public Service Announcement about responsible flying showcasing the Know Before You Fly campaign. MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS 1,120,304 government related s were sent to AMA members in In addition, AMA provided regular updates to our members in AMA Today, AMA Air, AMA blogs, webinars, and in Park Pilot and Model Aviation magazines. MEDIA ENGAGEMENTS Averaging almost once a week, AMA was published, quoted, or interviewed by media including The Hill, CNN, Popular Science, The Washington Post, NPR, NBC News, USA Today, and countless local radio, TV, and newspapers. Online exposure exceeded 643,000 impressions. NEW STAFF AMA HQ is shifting resources to accommodate the growing demand for government relations work and to aid with communications both to our members and stakeholders outside our community. MEMBER RESOURCES While AMA is influencial with local elected officials, our members and volunteers are often more powerful as voting constituents. AMA is grateful for these volunteers. To aid in future efforts, AMA HQ created an advocacy toolkit.

8 PLEASE REMAIN ENGAGED As we move into the new year, stay engaged and be ready to respond to your elected representatives if and when the time comes. Together we can continue to enjoy this hobby for many generations! Thank you.

9 FOR MORE INFORMATION Academy of Model Aeronautics 5161 E. Memorial Drive Muncie, IN x236